Kia and KEPCO Join Hands to Collaborate on PBV Utilization and Power Ecosystem Development

Kia is partnering with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to build a future electrification and power ecosystem using Purpose Built Vehicles (PBV).

On the 23rd, Kia announced on the 24th that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KEPCO at 'Kia 360' in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to establish a future electrification and power ecosystem utilizing Kia PBVs.

This MOU was made as Kia, aiming to realize the vision of 'Platform Beyond Vehicle,' and KEPCO, seeking to supply mobility optimized for specific tasks through PBV adoption and achieve zero-emission vehicle transition goals, found common ground.

(Photo from left) Lee Junho, Vice President of Safety & Sales Distribution at Korea Electric Power Corporation, and Jung Wonjeong, Head of Domestic Business Division at Kia, are taking a commemorative photo after signing the agreement. Photo by Kia

Both companies plan to collaborate on developing PBV models optimized for KEPCO’s distribution and sales operations and electrification, as well as on developing a Fleet Management System (FMS) solution to improve operational efficiency.

Furthermore, starting with the PV5 launching in 2025, Kia will analyze KEPCO’s vehicle operation characteristics and actively identify and reflect various field needs.

They will also cooperate on technology development for future electric vehicle charging services, such as Plug and Charge (PnC, contactless charging payment service) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G, technology that supplies remaining electric vehicle battery power back to the grid), to quickly respond to the rapidly changing electric vehicle market environment.

A Kia official stated, "This MOU will help expand customized mobility services and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem. Through cooperation on future electric vehicle charging technologies, we will enhance consumer convenience and reduce purchasing burdens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.